Newcomer replaces veteran councilor in Ledyard

Ledyard voters made a minor change in the makeup of the Town Council on Tuesday, replacing a veteran Democratic member with a Democratic newcomer.

Democrat Louis Gabordi, 60, retired principal of Ledyard High School, was the second-highest overall vote-getter. He takes the place of nine-term incumbent Sharon Wadecki.

“I’m very pleased and grateful that folks had faith in my ability to work on their behalf,” Gabordi said. He said he hopes to learn from his fellow council members.

The nine-member council remains split between six Republicans and three Democrats. All six Republicans — Fred Allyn III, Linda Davis, Kevin Dombrowski, Mike France, Steve Eichelberg and John Marshall — won re-election to new two-year terms, as did Democratic incumbents Mary McGrattan and Bill Saums.

Council Chairman Linda Davis, 63, a Republican, received the most votes in the council race. Davis called her victory “gratifying.” She said she hoped the new council would work as well together as she said the current one has.

“I will personally miss Sharon (Wadecki)” Davis said. “She had a lot of history and institutional knowledge, especially about finances.”

Allyn, 42, is a real estate broker. He was appointed to fill out the term of Sean Sullivan, who resigned in 2012.

Turnout in the election, which also included candidates for the Board of Education, was about 25 percent.

“Just my civic duty,” voter Jackie Bacon said.

“It’s the American way, you know,” said resident Jason Major, who voted at Ledyard Central School. “Every vote counts in a small town.”